BY KAREN BOSSICK
St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to provide uninsured and underinsured diabetes patients with the tools and resources for diabetes management.
St. Luke’s diabetes educator Yolanda Arriaga has seen increased demand from patients who need support managing type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Their efforts to control their diabetes have been stymied by treatment costs.
“This grant ensures that local patients with diabetes can benefit from the most advanced care possible. Better blood glucose management leads to healthier outcomes, reduced emergency room visits and lower long-term healthcare costs,” said Megan Tanous, St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation’s chief development officer.
Funding has provided more than 90 patients with $2,463 worth of blood glucose monitoring supplies this past year. Sixteen patients have received help with medications, diabetic shoes and other essential items valued at $6,282.
“Continuous glucose monitoring helps patients understand and manage their blood sugar levels in real-time, which motivates lifestyle adjustments and better compliance with their treatment,” said Arriaga. “With continuous glucose monitoring technology, I’ve seen firsthand how patients improve their blood sugar control, making positive changes like choosing healthier foods and increasing physical activity.”
Said one grateful patient: “Having this glucose monitoring sensor really helps me understand which food choices affect my blood sugar. When I exercise after meals, I see my blood sugar improve. The high and low alarms remind me of the actions I need to take to stay in control.”
This grant allows St. Luke’s Wood River to extend support in various ways:
Access to the Latest Diabetes Technology: Patients will benefit from continuous glucose monitoring systems and blood glucose monitoring supplies. This technology empowers patients to understand how daily activities affect their glucose levels, promoting a healthier lifestyle and improved glucose control.
Medication Assistance: Covering urgent medications, including insulin and other injectables, helps prevent the need for emergency medical care and keeps patients on track with treatment.
Risk-Reduction Screenings: Annual eye exams, diabetic footwear, and other preventive screenings reduce diabetes-related complications, ultimately lowering healthcare costs.
Specialized Nutrition Support: In cases where additional help is required, patients will receive protein meals tailored to diabetic needs, supporting overall health.
To learn more about diabetes, contact Yolanda Arriga, diabetes educator at St. Luke’s Wood River, at 208-727-8494. To support the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation, contact Betsy Mullins at 208-727-8419 or mullinse@slhs.org.